UN celebrates two years of Lab_13 at Irchester Primary School

Taken from: http://www.northampton.ac.uk/news/un-celebrates-two-years-of-lab-13-at-irchester-primary-school

​​​The events focussed on science and technology as part of the celebration of two years of the primary school’s Lab_13 (@Lab_13Irchester). The lab is a dedicated science space in the School which is aimed to drive the imagination and curiosity of the students with a Scientist-in-Residence, Jennifer Hogan, in support.

Tricia Goodchild, STEM Diversity Co-Ordinator at the University of Northampton said; “The children are wonderful, really interested in STEM subjects, enthusiastic and work hard to sustain this area not only with their peers but throughout the school.”

The University has been supported Lab_13 for the past two years in various ways and this was a culmination of all the activities that have taken place. 

The workshops that took place by members of the University included investigating the hidden world through a Thermal Imaging camera; wind-power experiments; building towers with spaghetti and marshmallows; leather as a material; 3D imaging; drawing ‘bots’ and investigating germs.

Dr Scott Turner, the School of Science and Technology’s Widening Participation and Learning and Teaching Co-ordinator said; “Lab_13 is a great idea, and always a positive experience working with them.

Dr Gemma Marsden, Lecturer in Molecular Bioscience conducted scientific experiments with the children in order to see how clean or unclean their room was.

She said; “I had a wonderful experience working with Lab_13.  It was great to be met with such overwhelming enthusiasm about science and I hope the students enjoyed finding out how clean their class room was.”

Girls into Physics and Engineering – Northamptonshire

The following is reposted from The Royal Aeronautical Society - news blog: http://media.aerosociety.com/news/2013/02/27/girls-into-physics-and-engineering-northamptonshire/8060/

Radio 4 has just released a list of the 100 most powerful women in the UK . However, the list highlights gaps, for example in the military, and it also seemed lacking in the fields of physics and engineering. This under-representation is not new and the fact that it is reflected across the aviation and aerospace sectors, at all levels, has been recognised by the RAeS for some time. So in 2009, the RAeS Women in Aerospace Committee (WAAC) was formed, with a remit to start looking at and addressing this issue.

Women offer a wealth of skills that would help address the major challenges that the aviation and aerospace sectors face and so, increasing female representation in aviation and aerospace would not only be good for women, but for business. Hence part of the RAeS WAAC’s Mission is ‘To work to increase the number of women choosing a career in all sectors of aviation and aerospace…’  The difficulty in attracting women into aviation and aerospace is a complex issue which begins early in life, with girls’ perception of their role . This influences which subjects they choose to pursue at school, which in-turn influences the career paths they eventually take. So when the WAAC were approached to help at an event titled ‘Physics and Engineering – A New Perspective’, it seemed an ideal opportunity to help encourage more young women to consider the worthwhile and exciting careers available within aviation and aerospace.

This event was created and organised by Tricia Goodchild who is STEM Diversity Coordinator/Placement Manager, Northants Engineering Training Group. It was in response to concerns raised by teachers in Northamptonshire about the lack of girls choosing to take A level Physics. The decision of many girls to drop physics has been attributed to the image of the subject and misconstrued perceptions of limited or unattractive opportunities that would follow. The event aimed to inspire, enthuse and challenge these perceptions; to make these girls think twice before dismissing physics and engineering as too hard, or boring, or just for boys.

The WAAC contacted Squadron Leader Christine Matthews BEng (Hons) MRAeS , hoping that as a female engineer, she would be able help to do this job! Christine presented a ‘personal perspective’ on physics and engineering, based on the opportunities that her physics A level had provided: From working on numerous RAF aircraft, from locations all over the UK and abroad, to setting up local radio station networks in Afghanistan, to indulging in adventurous expeditions and sports. Along with the other presenters drawn from a range of physics and engineering based careers, Christine certainly seemed to get the girls attention. The day also included practical workshops and concluded with a Q&A plenary, during which the girls, all aged 13 to 14, had plenty to ask. They appeared to have got a lot from the event and Tricia reported much positive feedback from both students and staff. Who knows, maybe one of those girls will make a future top 100 list as a top ranking military engineer, groundbreaking physicist or CEO of a major aviation company! But if at least one or two are inspired to continue to study physics and consider a career in aerospace or engineering, then that would be another small step towards addressing the imbalance of women working in aviation and aerospace.

Find out more about WAAC’s research:

To read the 2009 WAAC Specialist Paper click here

Girls into Engineering @UniNorthants

 A recent presentation on work done to encourage Girls into Engineering

To see more of the projects go to:  http://www.northampton.ac.uk/info/200284/widening-participation/1132/projects

Getting WISEr: The 'STEM' Factor

The School of Science and Technology, University of Northampton on the Wednesday 2nd February 2011  10.00 a.m.—4.00 p.m is running an event called The ‘S.T.E.M’ Factor.  A free event to GET THOSE GIRLS ENTHUSED

The aim of this event is to impart good practice, new ideas and address positive ways of getting the message to females everywhere that Engineering and Science “are” areas they can enter and succeed in. There is an untapped market out there with vital skills which our economy needs.

It will also provide opportunities to hear key speakers, network, discuss Women into STEM examples of good practice and opportunities to collaborate and make our campaign stronger. Talk with ex- perienced professional role models, people from Academia, Widening Participation and Careers Guidance Officers.

There will be approximately 7 breakout groups dealing with subjects e.g. Women in Industry

Equality and Diversity STEM Ambassadors—skilled women professionals at your finger 

Hosted by KATE BELLINGHAM,  National STEM Careers Co-ordinator

Profile: After studying Physics and gaining a BSc, Kate soon realised she was interested in Engineering and Computing Programming and joined the BBC when she was 24., presenting shows like Sound & Vision, Tomorrow’s World, The Big Bang and The Acid Test (Radio 5), gaining at the same time her BBC ETSI. Not satisfied with this Kate went on to obtain a Masters in Communication Systems & MSc in Electronic Communication Systems. She is a passionate believer in getting females into Science, Engineering and Technology and wants to share her experience and enthusiasm.

If you are interested in joining in to make cunning plans for the future generation of women to “go out there and take their place” or just for more details please contact Tricia Goodchild, Event Organiser:

By email: tricia.goodchild@northampton.ac.uk By phone: 01604 893005


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Brief Overview of Women in Engineering Event

The School of Science and Technology, University of Northampton, is hosting the Women in Engineering event on 14^th July 2010, at its impressive new facilities in the Newton Building at Avenue Campus.  The focus of the event is to promote, encourage and inspire young women, aged 13, to pursue careers in science, technology and engineering. Over 80 Year 8 girls and their teachers from local Northampton schools are invited to join female engineers from the University and local industry for a fun morning to explore the exciting world of engineering, computing and science.  The event will feature inspirational presentations from female engineers and scientists, providing a snapshot of their career highlights and successes, workshops to work alongside female role models on exciting hands-on activities, and opportunity to network with and be inspired by women working in the industry. 


A more detailed report of this event can be found at http://www.wisecampaign.org.uk/viewitem.cfm?cit_id=383525